Argumentative Body Paragraphs They Say/I Say Argumentative Body Paragraphs

How do you draft body argumentative paragraphs that include examples and details from the text?

Body Paragraphs Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence Example: Without science camp, students will miss out on a unique learning experience.

Body Paragraphs Each paragraph should give a different reason for the reader to agree with your opinion. Example: In science class, we learn about rocks by picking them up out of a box. In science camp, we learn to identify rocks by finding them in cliff sides or river beds. Science camp also lets students experiment with other different forms of energy.

Body Paragraphs Provide evidence to support your opinion: facts, statistics, examples, anecdotes, interviews, quotations, or expert opinions. Example: For example, students get to build miniature stream engines that are powered by campfires. They also make solar panels that heat camp water.

Body Paragraphs One of the body paragraphs should address objections someone might make towards your opinion. Tell the reader why their possible objection (counterargument) will not be a problem. Example: Some people say it’s too much work to save science camp, but the fact is that if we all help, we can reach our goal easily. Students can raise money in many ways.

Body Paragraphs Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas. Example To get started… Some people say… For example… Therefore… More specifically…

They Say/I Say Template The general argument made by author X in her/his work, _______________, is that _______________. More specifically, X argues that _______________. She/he writes, “ _______________.” In this passage, X is suggesting that _______________. In conclusion, X’s belief is that _______________.   In my view, X is wrong/right, because _______________. More specifically, I believe that _______________. For example, ___________. Although X might object that __________, I maintain that _______________. Therefore, I conclude that _______________.

Let’s Practice! Can Kindness Become Cool? Lady Gaga told me. “I want to make that clear. This is: I am now a woman, I have a voice in the universe, and I want to do everything I can to become an expert in social justice and hope I can make a difference and mobilize young people to change the world.” Bullying isn’t, of course, just physical violence. Lady Gaga’s mother, Cynthia Germanotta, who will serve as president of the Born This Way Foundation, says that one of the most hurtful episodes in her daughter’s childhood came when schoolmates organized a party and deliberately excluded Lady Gaga. I asked Lady Gaga if people won’t be cynical about an agenda so simple and straightforward as kindling kindness. “That cynicism is exactly what we’re trying to change,” she finally said.